A host of Arsenal youngsters were involved with the first-team squad against Bournemouth last night, with Ayden Heaven amongst them.
Regarded as one of Arsenal’s standout prospects, the centre-back largely gave a good account of himself but there were a couple of occasions when he was caught out.
Such performances have become somewhat commonplace for the 17-year-old, who often looks hugely impressive prior to one or two lapses in concentration.
Overall, though, Heaven’s raw qualities are very encouraging and his progress over the past couple of seasons has been excellent.
The suspicion remains that Heaven would be better in his previous position of midfield, but he has now put himself in the frame for further first-team opportunities in competitive games.
With his tall frame and composure in possession, Heaven already resembles a senior player in many ways and it is now hoped that he will be able to develop more consistency.
There is uncertainty over Heaven’s long-term future as he is into the final year of his scholarship contract and has yet to commit to a professional deal.
If he was to find himself on the fringes of the first-team squad this season and perhaps feature in cup games then the England youth international could well be persuaded to stay.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
This guy’s name is just a pun magnet
Mayden heaven….
Then a heaven for pun?
Something like; The Cure for any defensive problems in the future could be Just Like Heaven?
I suppose I’d better get my coat before people start throwing things.
Nobody’s mentioned Knock Knock Knocking on Heaven’s door… to offer him a new deal
Somebody more creative than me come up with the Eric Clapton song.
John denver more appropriate here, I think.
Are you talking about his song, “Cheers in Heaven!”
He looks a real prospect…..💯
Optimism for the final exit, cool.
Plotwist: In order to joine the Hale end academy, you need to officially register a new name through Arsenals name generator.
Heaven knock knock knock’in on Arteta’s door, that’s just like Heaven.
You DID beat me to it. Dammit.
I thought his name was Ayden Heaven Gains
Where s norton brooke cuffy
The Freddy Mercury song Made in Heaven would be perfect chant material.Lyrics v 3:
Made in heaven
I’m playing my role in history
Looking to find my goal
Taking in this misery
But giving in all my soul.
Video is fab btw
Jeorge, is it typical to see these guys run down their contracts at youth level? Maybe this has been happening all along but with Hutchinson, ACD and Chido, this feels like a recent trend. We had to really sweat over Nwaneri too.
With Heaven specifically: He’s in the range of prospect you don’t want to lose but isn’t going to play a meaningful first team role this season, and then his contract expires. Aside from his rawness and youth, you never want to hear about issues with concentration when it concerns back line players at any level. That said, he’s early enough still and the talent is there. You want to give him experience on loan but with one year remaining that won’t help keep him. So do you try to shop him now? If so he will definitely not want to… Read more »
I saw that ACD came on at half time for Brighton (his debut) and scored twice 🙈
It could be that the downside to having a young, talented and valuable team, is that it is hard for youth players to visualise a path to the first team. It’s not like Arteta could reassure them in that much detail – he’s not going to say “l’ll sell xxx in two years time to make way for you”. The only clear path is ageing players, and we don’t have many of them
It has happened quite a few times in the past but it seems to be happening more often now.